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Our history

Progress and growth are always closely linked to change. The history of SKYLOTEC is a prime example of this. Founded in 1947 as a sole proprietorship, we have experienced turbulent times and undergone numerous transformations. 

Today, as a manufacturer of protective equipment, we have grown into a group of companies with 12 locations worldwide and around 950 employees, almost 300 of whom work at our headquarters in Neuwied.


THE HISTORY OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

In May 2022, SKYLOTEC GmbH celebrated its 75th anniversary. The company has been successfully managed by the Rinklake family for 40 years.

The team around Wolfgang and Kai Rinklake has turned what was originally a small one-man business, founded by Eduard Kaufmann in the post-war period in the southern Sauerland region of Germany as a workshop for abrasive baskets for mine rescue, into a global market leader in the field of personal fall protection equipment.

Alongside Dr. Kai Rinklake (right), Alexander Merl (left) was appointed second Managing Director in January 2022. This not only strengthens the management level, but also recognizes Alexander Merl's many years of commitment and his trusting cooperation with the company.

75 years of SKYLOTEC: With ups and downs to success

From humble beginnings as a small workshop in the southern Sauerland region to global market leader - a journey characterized by challenges and continuous growth in the field of fall protection.

THE JOURNEY THROUGH TIME IN BOOK FORM

As part of the company's 75th anniversary celebrations, the exciting history of SKYLOTEC has been put into book form. The journey through time takes place on almost 200 pages divided into four chapters:

Chapter 1: 1947 to 1982
The founding and development years - from Eduard Kaufmann to Wolfgang Rinklake

Chapter 2: 1983 to 2000
The company on its way into the third millennium

Chapter 3: 2000 to 2022
Expansion of the company, internationalization, groundbreaking product development

Chapter 4: from 2022
SKYLOTEC 75 PLUS - a look ahead

The book in digital

CONTINUING BEYOND 2022

May 2022

Establishment of the Karin Rinklake Foundation, which supports charitable and benevolent projects.

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September 2022

Acquisition of the fall protection systems segment of Secupohl GmbH with the Sekurant® product brand

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September 2023

SKYLOTEC has been awarded the Koblenz Sparkasse Founder's Prize in the category of ‘Creative Business Performance’.

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February 2024

Acquisition of Sweden Entry Tools (SET) breaching and completion of the portfolio in tactical access / special operation.

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